Life saving laws
New requirements for pool and spa owners explained….
If you are the owner of a home or business with a pool or spa this information could be helpful and could potentially save a life. That’s why new laws to improve swimming pool and spa safety came into effect in Victoria on the 1st December 2019, to help reduce the incidence of child drownings in pools and spas. While the requirements can seem daunting, they are in place for good reason. Many people who call Pool Safe, first find out about these new laws when they receive a letter from their local council, but understanding about the laws can help to make your pool or spa safer now, not just when you need an inspection.
If you are the owner of land on which a pool or spa is located, you must register your pool and spa with the relevant council by 1st November 2020. If you haven’t done this you still can. You can contact your local council or check their website for more information on how to register your pool or spa, including the fees payable. You will be asked to have it inspected and at this point Pool Safe can complete an inspection for you.
All pool and spa owners are required to arrange an inspection of the safety barrier to determine if the barrier is compliant with the applicable barrier standard, every four years. The deadlines for inspection and lodgement of certificate of barrier compliance are staggered based on the date your pool or spa was installed. We can also help you determine when your pool is due for its inspection.
All pool and spa barriers experience wear and tear over time (including rust, missing bolts or screws and damage), which is why it is important to ensure your barrier is regularly checked and maintained even when it isn’t due for an inspection.
Checking the safety of your pool barrier might seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few pool and spa safety barrier maintenance checks that you can do at home.
1: Check for a self-closing and self-latching gate or door.
The first thing to look at is your pool or spa gate/door. You will need to check that it self-closes and self-latches from all positions from being fully open to resting on the latching mechanism. To do this, simply open the pool or spa gate - let it go to check that it self-closes. To test that it self-latches simply pull on the gate to see if it can be opened.
If it doesn’t self-close or self-latch the gate might need some maintenance or repair.
2: Are there any gaps over 10cm under or around your safety barrier?
We need to check for gaps under and around the safety barrier. Gaps can be caused by ground movement so it is good to check this regularly. All gaps need to be less than 100mm so you will need to get your tape measure out and check this around various points of your pool or spa safety barrier. If there are any gaps more than 10cm these will need to be reduced.
3: Climbable Objects
Objects like chairs, pot plants, BBQs and tables may allow children access to the pool or spa so remove any of these objects from around your pool or spa safety barrier. And remember to never leave your gate propped open.
These are a few simple checks you can regularly do yourself to keep your pool and spa area safe. As well as having a compliant pool and safety barrier it is important for children to always be actively supervised by an adult when in and around pools and spas.
If you need some help or advice on a barrier inspection or if you are considering adding a pool to your property get in contact and Jimmy from Pool Safe can help out with an inspection or advice on pool and safety barrier positioning before you get too far into your project.
Jimmy Rushton
Pool Safe Fence Inspections
poolsafevic.com.au
0493 362 410 jimmy@poolsafevic.com.au
Disclaimer: The information provided in the blog above is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for a thorough Barrier Inspection or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, it may not cover all individual circumstances or specific requirements. . Always prioritise safety and seek expert advice to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.